Swahili
mrengu
m-REN-goo
How to say it
Swahilimrengum-REN-goosoon
Englishoutriggersoon
Frenchbalanciersoon
Meaning
the outrigger of a canoe, a float attached to stabilize the vessel.
Good to know
nautical term, common along the Swahili coast where outrigger canoes (ngalawa) are used.
Examples
- Mrengu wa ngalawa ulivunjika baharini.The outrigger of the canoe broke at sea.
- Wavuvi walitengeneza mrengu mpya.The fishermen made a new outrigger.
- Je, mrengu huu umetengenezwa kwa mbao gani?What wood is this outrigger made of?
- Bila mrengu, ngalawa ingepinduka.Without the outrigger, the canoe would capsize.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.